How to Live Life to its Fullest as God Designed

In a world that constantly urges us to 'LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST,' Christians are called to a unique understanding of this phrase. As believers, we are not only encouraged to make the most of our lives but also to live by God's design.

In Genesis chapters 2 and 3, three interconnected themes emerge from the foundational narrative of the creation of humanity: stewardship, free will, and relationships. Each thread weaves a profound narrative of purpose, responsibility, and connection, guiding believers on the path to a life lived to the fullest according to Christian principles.

As we delve into each theme, we unravel the divine design that guides believers toward a life of purpose, responsibility, and meaningful connection with God and one another.

Genesis 1:27–28 says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Stewardship 

Genesis chapter 1 emphasizes that humanity is created in the image and likeness of God. This divine imprint signifies a profound responsibility. In Chapter 2, we see that God placed man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. Essentially, being created in the image and likeness of God implies stewardship – the responsibility to care for and manage God's creation.

Genesis 2:15 tells us, “Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.”

The partnership between God and humanity in stewarding creation is not necessary for God, who is infinite and all-powerful. Instead, it is a privilege granted to us by our Creator, providing purpose and meaning to our lives. The Westminster Shorter Catechism succinctly states that 'the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' This glorification involves reflecting God's character through stewardship.

Glorifying God is an act of reflecting His character, specifically His love and kindness, towards His created beings. By caring for the environment, animals, and even ourselves, we manifest God's attributes and bring glory to Him. Enjoying God is experienced through the joy found in our partnership with Him as co-stewards of His creation.

To live life to its fullest, Christians are called to act as good stewards of God's creation. This involves cultivating and caring for all aspects of creation, including fellow humans and oneself. Acts of sin, such as abusing the environment, animals, or fellow humans, are incompatible with proper stewardship.

Examples of good stewardship include properly disposing of garbage and avoiding activities that harm the environment, treating animals with kindness and care to reflect God's loving-kindness, showing love and kindness to all, and respecting the sanctity of human life by refraining from harm towards oneself and others.

Living life to its fullest, according to the Christian perspective, involves stewarding God's creation with love and care. By embodying God's character through good stewardship, we not only glorify Him but also find joy in our partnership with the Creator. Striving to be faithful stewards, we maximize the life designed by God for His glory and our eternal joy.

Freewill

The Lord God also granted man the freedom to enjoy the fruits of the garden but placed one restriction, emphasizing the significance of free will in human existence.

Genesis 2:16–17 writes, “The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

God has the freedom to do anything, except sin, which contradicts His perfect character. Similarly, He has bestowed upon humanity free will. This freedom, illustrated by the presence of the forbidden tree, grants individuals the ability to choose to follow God—a choice that reflects true freedom. Unlike robots, humans are not programmed but have the liberty to express love through obedience.

Expressing love through obedience is akin to God's love language. As John 14:15 states, 'If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.' By obeying God, we glorify Him and reflect His loving character. While our relationship with Jesus is eternal, the joy in our fellowship with Him is enhanced through obedience. The freedom to choose to obey or disobey adds depth to our connection with God.

To live life to the fullest, believers are urged to use their freedom responsibly. For instance, instead of neglecting corporate worship, choosing to listen to the Word of God glorifies Him and brings joy to the connection. Similarly, opting not to post offending content on social media showcases responsible use of freedom, reflecting a commitment to glorifying God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Remembering the context of the text, believers are encouraged to do all things for the glory of God, taking into account the impact of their actions on others. For example, if my eating something in front of a new believer causes him to stumble, it is better not to do so to reflect God’s love. Choosing to avoid causing harm to others and opting for gentleness over revenge all contribute to glorifying God and finding joy in Him.

Living life to the fullest involves expressing love to God through obedience. By responsibly utilizing freedom, believers not only glorify God but also experience joy in their connection with Him, truly living life to its fullest in Jesus.

Relationships

In Genesis 2:18, the Lord God, recognizing the importance of relationships, declared, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.' This profound statement emphasizes the relational aspect of humanity, mirroring God's nature as a relational being within the Holy Trinity. Existing in perfect fellowship within the Trinity, God designed humanity to thrive in relationships, acknowledging that it is not good for man to be alone. Consequently, God created a helper, emphasizing that life is better together.

Glorifying God involves expressing love towards others, including our brothers and sisters in Christ and our family. As stated in 1 John 4:19–20, loving those we see is a testament to our love for God, bringing glory to His name. The joy of our fellowship with God is enhanced when we love one another through relationships. In this way, we glorify God and find joy in expressing His love.

To live life to the fullest, individuals are encouraged to extend God's love to one another and avoid selfishness. Devoting time and energy to volunteer work without expecting personal gain is a selfless act, contributing to the well-being of others. Contributing to charitable causes and organizations demonstrates a selfless use of resources to support those in need. Simple gestures of kindness, from holding the door open to helping neighbors, showcase selflessness in daily life. Prioritizing the needs and happiness of others in personal relationships reflects a lack of selfishness. Making personal sacrifices for the benefit of others, whether in time, comfort, or resources, showcases selflessness.

Therefore, recognizing that it is not good to be alone, we should embrace the gift of relationships. Through these connections, we express God's love, bringing glory to His name and maximizing life by enjoying God and one another.

Start Living Life to the Fullest

The pathway to living life to the fullest unfolds exclusively through God's way. As you embark on the journey to uncover more of His design for your life, our prayer is that His guidance will lead you into a more fulfilling and blessed existence. It's crucial to bear in mind that life's true source is only God. There exists only one way to live life, and that is for Him and by His intended design. May this awareness accompany you as you navigate the unique and purposeful life that God has intricately crafted for you.

John 10:10 states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”